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Local News

“Second Downtown” in the Works with Walker Investment

Port Huron, MI — While developments in downtown Port Huron have been the focus of a lot of investing recently, the south side of town is starting to get some recent attention. Mark and Hale Walker, the brothers who founded MiMutual Mortgage, headquartered in Port Huron, have purchased the building at 3592 Military Street.

Mark Walker said that he and Hale bought the waterfront property because they love the area and the water. Walker said, “Downtown is fantastic but so is the south end.” 

While there are no firm plans for the large former manufacturing building, there are endless possibilities with the expansive river frontage. Walker dreams of perhaps a restaurant where families can enjoy meals while kids play or maybe a combination of residential and commercial use.

Walker said that the southside riverfront is unique and has a lot of history and family living. In correspondence with City Council, Port Huron City Manager James Freed jumped on the opportunity to use the investment to spur a complete overhaul of the area with infrastructure improvements in a new Corridor Improvement Area. The investment could create a “second downtown” in the Military/Connor area.

Walker hopes to have plans for his property formulated by the beginning of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Flag Retirement Ceremony Open to Public

The St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs is inviting the community to their annual U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on Wednesday, August 25th at 6 PM. The event takes place at the American Legion Post 382 at 1322 Clinton Avenue in St. Clair.

The “It’s Your Flag” ceremony involves the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 382, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 382, and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 315, Cub Scout Pack 261, and Boy Scout Troop 261.

Those wishing to dispose of worn, torn, faded, and unserviceable American flags can deliver them to the American Legion Post before the event so they can be properly and respectfully disposed of at the ceremony.

Flags can be placed in the flag receptacle at the rear of the building, and the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs will be present to ensure flags that have been collected at the St. Clair County Administration building in Port Huron are properly disposed of as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Harbor Impact to Host Open House

Harbor Impact Ministries has been serving the community for 11 years by providing household items, clothing, food, and education for free to those in need. On August 21st, they are inviting the community to visit them for their first open house.

The Harbor Impact Ministries Open House is from 3 – 8 PM on Saturday, August 21st at their location, 1963 Allen Road in Kimball.

They will have a mix of building tours for guests to become more familiar with their ministry along with live music, games, and food.

Organizers are planning a Battle of the Bands, and musicians can register with Michael Weaver if they’d like to participate.

Harbor Impact takes a multitude of donations which their volunteers organize into themed rooms inside their building. People in need can visit them on their Impact Days once a month in designated time slots.

Visitors on Impact Days can select items from the rooms to meet their need for clothing, food, hygiene items, and pet care among other things.

Harbor Impact also has a Resource Center that offers tutoring, computer classes, and other services that meet the needs of their guests.

To learn more, visit: https://www.harborimpactministries.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Michigan Gets Federal Money to Prepare for Future Flooding

The state of Michigan has been awarded $51.7 million to deal with future natural disasters. The money is part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant that is designated for investment in infrastructure to withstand weather and climate events.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer commented on the grant saying, “This grant will make a difference in building infrastructure that is resilient against changing climate. We have already seen roads, bridges and communities deeply damaged by extreme weather conditions. This investment will allow Michigan to enhance mitigation efforts for our communities, create jobs, and put Michigan first.”   

Michigan received a Presidential Disaster Declaration in July in response to flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Ten million dollars in emergency funding from the state’s general fund already went to mitigate damage from late June storms in southeast Michigan.

Also, the Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing a $50 million purchase of backup generators to keep pump stations going during power outages.

The federal grant is meant to save money in the long run by preparing ahead of the weather events.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Military Street Bridge Operating on Restricted Open Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The Military Street Bridge in Downtown Port Huron is currently following the Code of Federal Regulation to reduce potential shut-downs due to damage, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The Military Street Bridge opens and closes as needed to allow tall boats to navigate the Black River, which leads to the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Currently, it is following the Federal Code by only opening if five or more boats are waiting to cross, as well as on the hour and half-hour.

The bascule bridge is currently undergoing repairs to its hydraulic system and the change is meant to reduce wear and tear on the structure. Emergency openings for Coast Guard traffic are an exception to the Federal Regulation.

Temporary repairs have been made to allow the bridge to open and close. Otherwise, it would remain in the open position to allow for boat traffic, but causing a vehicle traffic detour on the business loop. The permanent repairs are waiting until parts come in. The repairs are expected to be completed following Labor Day weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Updates Mask Recommendations

 On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendation for mask wearing. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC recommends everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear a mask indoors in public if in an area of substantial or high transmission. In addition, given new evidence, the CDC is also recommending indoor face masks for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, indicating that children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies. Indoor masking for all in K-12 schools aims to reduce transmission of COVID-19, prevent student and employee absenteeism due to illness, and promote a healthy, in-person learning environment.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and St. Clair County Health Department fully support and endorse the new CDC recommendations.

St. Clair County is now classified at the substantial community transmission level with a case rate of 54.67 per 100,000 persons (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07) and a test positivity rate of 5.68% (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07). We anticipate these numbers to increase in the coming weeks. Neighboring counties have also met the moderate or substantial transmission threshold and are trending upwards as well.

St. Clair County Health Department recommends face mask wearing for all individuals – fully vaccinated and unvaccinated – while indoors in public. Given the community transmission status change, the health department also encourages schools and businesses to consider the latest public health recommendations when determining risk mitigation strategies for employees and clients within buildings.

A layered protection strategy should be followed to ensure a healthy environment, allowing all St. Clair County residents the best chance to remain healthy and physically present at work and in the classroom setting. Such strategy should include the following risk mitigation measures:

  • Receive the COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible
  • Wear your face mask while indoors
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from others
  • Enhance ventilation systems within buildings
  • Stay home when sick and get tested for COVID-19
  • Adhere to isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or quarantine if considered a close contact

“The Delta variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and increases the risk of illness and outbreaks. That is why a layered protection strategy is once again needed to help stop the spread of the virus. Vaccination remains the best tool in our toolbox to prevent COVID-19 infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, adding back in another tool, like wearing your face mask while indoors, will help ensure everyone is doing their part to protect our community against the Delta variant,” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer.

To date, 51.0% of St. Clair County residents 12+ years and older have received at least one dose of vaccine.  The health department offers COVID-19 vaccines at both their main office and Teen Health locations.

“We understand the frustration brought on by the length of the pandemic and with the changing recommendations. It has been an exceptionally difficult period. However, as more is learned about the virus and the new variants, we must change our recommendations accordingly. Please know that we recognize the potential impact our guidance can have on the community and weigh those decisions carefully” said Mercatante.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department